Discover Siculiana: A Unique Opportunity for a Dream Getaway
Nestled in the heart of southern Sicily, the charming village of Siculiana is rolling out an enticing offer: a three-day holiday for a mere cost of €1. This initiative aims to rejuvenate tourism in the area and place Siculiana firmly on the map as a must-visit destination.
The program, aptly named “Holidays in Sicily for €1,” is open to both Italian citizens and international travelers, including visitors from the UK and other non-EU countries. To participate, applicants must be over 18 years old and pay a symbolic fee of €1, reminiscent of previous housing schemes where buyers acquired historic homes in Sicily for just €1.
To secure this incredible getaway, participants are invited to enter a creative contest. They must produce and submit a video detailing their reasons for wanting to visit Siculiana and what aspects of the local culture and town they wish to explore. The town’s initiative seeks to enhance tourism during the off-peak seasons.
The deadline for applications is set for March 15, with 10 couples or families poised to be selected for the inaugural weekend, scheduled from April 4-6. The winners will enjoy a comprehensive package that includes accommodations, meals, and guided tours, providing an immersive experience of Siculiana.
Giuseppe Zambito, the mayor of Siculiana, shared his vision with The i Paper, emphasizing the goal of showcasing the hidden treasures of this distinctive town. “We aim to unveil the stunning beauty that our town offers, which is enriched by its remarkable architecture and delectable cuisine. Siculiana is often overlooked by mainstream tourism, and we believe that its proximity to the famous archaeological site of Agrigento, home to the Valley of Temples—this year’s Culture Capital of Italy—will attract more visitors,” Zambito explained.
The mayor further noted, “Through this complimentary weekend program, we want to assess our tourism infrastructure and our capacity to accommodate additional visitors, aspiring to position Siculiana as one of Sicily’s premier destinations beyond the summer months.” The local government plans to continue this €1 stay competition in October and next spring, targeting the quieter seasons.
- Winter and autumn typically see a decline in tourism in many Sicilian towns, and this initiative aims to inject new life and energy during these slower months.
- Mayor Zambito suggested various reasons individuals might want to apply for the free holiday, including:
- Exploring a lesser-known region of Sicily
- Discovering the local culture and history of Siculiana
- Celebrating special occasions, such as anniversaries
- Seeking a peaceful retreat from the daily grind
- Participants can include couples, friends, or family members, creating a versatile opportunity for all types of travelers.
At the conclusion of their stay, participants will be required to create another video reflecting on their experiences in Siculiana, which will be shared with the local town hall. This initiative comes at a time when Siculiana has faced significant population decline over the past few decades, particularly following the Second World War, as many locals, especially the youth, have migrated in search of better prospects in larger cities or abroad. In the last 20 years, the town’s population has decreased from 5,000 to just 4,000 residents.
